Recent Camp John Hay Visit

We attended the St. Louis School Center's Family Day December 14, 1997, held at the
Scout Valley grounds. We entered the Main Gate and drove via 19th Tee and Main Club,
circling Scout Hill before going down to Scout Valley. What a beautiful place is
Camp John Hay! The grounds and external appearances of facilities are immaculate and
rival any memories I have of the American days. While driving in we took note of the
changes we had read about in the local newspapers and verified that the Halfway House
is gone; the Mile Hi is being torn down; and Snider Hall is a shell with lumber remnants
filling the fenced enclosure. So many personal memories are invested in those three
structures alone, I didn't have the heart to take photos of the remains.

We noted the busy golf course, crowded picnic areas, 'Couples for Christ' on Scout Hill,
throngs of people strolling the open spaces everywhere, and bumper to bumper traffic as
touring motorists passed in a continuous stream of vehicles. All this while only a few
of the recreational factilities are now open. There's no doubt in my mind that Camp John Hay
belongs as a wonderful and beautiful park for the people and public, not as a tourist mecca for the privileged few.
We enjoyed the family day activities and happily met former co-workers, Ben & Amparo Pablo,
who we had not seen since helping close out the US Air Force in April/May 1991.
As promised Ampara, your photos follow.

January 31, 1998 Camp John Hay Visit

I spent an hour this morning driving through the facility and taking
photos of scenes I thought many might like to see. It was a beautiful morning
but the pictures did not turn out as well as I thought they should - between 9:30 and 10:30 AM
so perhaps it was the sun's position. Anyhow, I'm pleased to share these with
you. I was pleased to meet a few old friends and co-workers while there.
Ric Chan is still going strong. Steve Santiago, our head chef for many years in the open
mess, is still in the business and looks as young as ever. Fred Mangilinan, our favorite Bingo bartender,
now retired but obviously enjoys spending time at John Hay and looks good. Rose dela Rosa, who
worked at Bingo for a time and at various open mess facilities is still serving
John Hay. It's so good to see and chat with old friends again.